Stantonsburg stands behind Chief Hunt

16 August 2007 — Small towns often encourage the citizens to be the eyes and ears of their police department, and the citizens of Stantonsburg are doing just that.

At a town board meeting this week, several citizens voiced concerns they have with the department to Police Chief John Hunt, but stressed that they are proud of the work Chief Hunt has done in the town.

Linda Farmer asked the question that many in town have asked each other in the past two weeks. Mrs. Farmer asked Chief Hunt where the officer on duty was when Song Ni, the owner of Jin Jin Restaurant, was killed.

“He was patrolling the town, but you can’t be everywhere at once,” he said. “That’s the kind of situation you can’t prepare for.”

However, he added that the officer on duty responded to the scene a minute and 22 seconds after the call came in, and that a deputy who was off-duty but lived nearby joined him 10 minutes later to help in any way possible.

Chief Hunt said he was also at the scene until 5:30 the next morning, and only left because he had to report for his two weeks of service with the National Guard.

Later in the meeting, Chief Hunt offered an apology to the town and the board for having to be absent during this time of crisis for the town. He was out for two weeks due to his service and a family emergency.

He also offered thanks to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department, the Wilson Police Department, and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in solving the case and arresting five men in connection with the robbery and murder.

Ms. Farmer went on to say that she was concerned that, in light of the recent tragedy, that officers were not patrolling the area near the town’s two convenience stores during closing.

Commissioner Dan Whitley also asked what the department policy was regarding accompanying managers while making their bank deposits at night.

Chief Hunt replied that providing a watchful eye for managers making bank deposits is a courtesy the department performs, and only does it for managers who ask to be accompanied. However, he added that patrolling near the convenience stores at closing time is not an optional service for officers on duty.

“I’ve required my officers to be around businesses when they close, no exceptions,” he said. “That’s something that is going to be dealt with immediately.”

Rhonda Malvin told Chief Hunt that she had been walking around town in the evenings lately, and she had noticed that several of the officers had people riding along with them in the police cars while they were on duty. She asked if officers were allowed to have people in the cars with them while on duty.

Chief Hunt replied that the department had a ride-along program. This means that if a citizen wants to ride with an officer while he is on duty, he or she must sign a waiver relieving the town of responsibility if anything happens.

“However, I’m aware of the incidents you’re referring to, and I’m working on that situation,” he said.

Mrs. Malvin then asked what happens with the passengers if the officer gets an emergency call or has to arrest someone.

“The waiver relieves us of all responsibility, but the officers are supposed to let the passenger out at a store or home or something if there is an emergency call. The passenger shouldn’t be in a dangerous situation,” he said.

Chief Hunt said that he is looking at the way the department does their patrols, and is seeking to better serve the community.

“You’ll see me out there at different hours, not just during the day,” he said. “If you see my officers lagging, I want to know about it.”

He added that the department is small, so he needs and appreciates the town’s input on how they are being served by the officers.

“My door is open,” Chief Hunt said. “If you’ve got a problem with me or any of my officers, come and talk to me. If I’m not in the office, come find me at my house. And if I’m not there, leave a way for me to get in touch with you with my kids. I’m here to serve the town.”

Several citizens added that, though they have concerns about a few of the department’s deputies, they fully support Chief Hunt and the work he does for the town.

John Sutton said that when he moved to Stantonsburg eight years ago, the first thing he noticed about the town was the huge drug problem that was there. But he adds that after Chief Hunt came to town, he immediately saw the drug problem decrease.

“The drug problem isn’t completely gone, and it never will be in any town,” he said. “I don’t know what other things are going on with police department, but I’m sure if there’s something going on out of place, he’ll correct it. I know for sure he gave the drug problem in this town a terrible blow.”

Town Manager Gary Davis said that when Chief Hunt came to town, he told the new chief about the town’s drug problems.

“He said ‘give me two weeks,’” Mr. Davis said. “And two weeks later, you could see a huge difference.”

Chief Hunt thanked the citizens and board for their kind words, but added that he still needs there help to continue to crack down on crime in the town.

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